Frequently asked questions and answers from our staff!

It is ideal if patients arrive in Riga on a Sunday and stay for the first night in a hotel. This will allow you to have time to relax following your journey and allow us to clarify or explain any organizational issues. One of our representatives will collect you from the hotel the next day to take you to the hospital, you will then undergo pre-operative tests and have a consultation with your surgeon. Usually the procedure will take place the following morning, and you will be allowed home after three days if no problems or complications have arisen.

In this instance you will pay for the standard tests that have been performed, approximately £800.00. Any other monies connected to the surgery will be refunded. 20-30% deposit for Surgery is non refundable, any tests that are performed on the day of pre op testing (additional tests if necessary) that are outside the standard that we perform for Bariatric surgery will be paid for as per test. Stay at Clinic and Hotel and transfers will be covered by the Patient.

Our most commonly asked question! Research and practice show that bariatric surgery is an effective and efficient procedure for those severely obese people who need to lose weight. If the instructions and advice given by the surgeon are followed meticulously excellent results will be achieved and maintained.

The amount of weight you may lose depends on your starting weight prior to surgery. A very important factor is diet and exercise following surgery, this can have a major impact on your overall weight loss. On average however, within a year, you can expect to lose approximately 60-70% in excess weight.

Some of our patients feel well enough to return to work after just one week, however in general the post operative recovery time takes approximately 6 weeks. You may feel tired and lethargic for several months, this is not uncommon, but it is important that light exercise is undertaken as soon as possible once you return home.

To ensure that your body functions as it should, the answer is yes. We recommend that you take additional mineral and vitamin supplements for the rest of your life. Following surgery, due to its’ reduced capacity, the stomach absorbs fewer essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins, these need to be supplemented.

In theory, yes, there is the possibility that you may gain weight again. You can still overeat to such a degree that the stomach will stretch to accommodate the extra food. However is it tremendously important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, whilst avoiding refined sugars, animal fat and processed foods. Try to eat small portions and chew food slowly. Those people who follow these rules will never be overweight again.

It is advisable not to consider pregnancy for at least 18 months following surgery, however women who have undergone bariatric surgery do not lose the ability to carry a child. We understand that this is a very important issue for some women.

Our aim at Weight Loss Riga is to ensure that every aspect of you treatment, before, during and after your surgery is handled with the upmost care and attention. We offer a 5 years follow up where we are available to answer your questions by phone and email for 5 years after your procedure.

If you have pre-existing health problems that may be deemed serious, for example, heart related diseases or a serious illness, we request that tests are performed by your GP or Consultant prior to your travel. Otherwise all necessary tests will be undertaken at our hospital the day before your surgery.

Your Body Mass Index and your GP’s diagnosis and conclusions should be taken into consideration and it is important to listen your GP’s recommendations. If diet changes and regular exercise have been unsuccessful in combating obesity, bariatric surgery may be the next step. Your GP will need to determine your Body Mass Index and take into account all the measure you have taken to lose weight. Morbid obesity and a BMI of 30-40 (or more) are criteria for recommending surgery. Bariatric surgery is medical intervention which cannot and should not be taken lightly.

On average most patients will maintain a 50% weight loss for up to 10 years. This is an excellent result. However, patients who maintain the hospitals specifically designed health and nutrition plan can see the results for a lifetime. Weight loss is hard work, but a positive attitude and a willingness to maintain a healthy lifestyle means that your obesity will be a thing of the past!

Prior to bariatric surgery, there is no specific diet that needs to be followed. However, two weeks before your surgery we advise and recommend that you to commence a low fat diet. This has medical benefits and the adaptation will prepare you for your lifestyle following surgery.